Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour film review
By Emma Tufo
~Opinion~
~Opinion~
November 13, 2023
Image Credit: Photo by Stephen Mease on Unsplash
The clock ticks down on the movie screen just as it does at the concert. Anticipation fills the theater as watchers shriek and watch in awe of what’s to come.
My stomach was in my throat, just as it was back in May when I attended The Eras Tour concert at Metlife Stadium. In true mastermind fashion, Taylor Swift managed to have an emotional impact even through the confines of a movie screen.
When she let out the first words of “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” I lost it. I immediately returned to my seat in section 205 as all the same feelings came back to me. It was like deja vu.
For people like me, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film was a way to relive such an iconic performance. On the other hand, those who couldn’t claim tickets after the chaos of Ticketmaster could experience the concert from the comfort of a reclined movie theater seat.
For everyone, it was an emotional rollercoaster.
I have been an avid Swiftie since I saw the “You Belong with Me” music video in the first grade. The “Fearless” set always stands out to me as the nostalgic memories flood back. I performed “Love Story” in my school talent show. The entire era symbolizes for me what it’s like to truly grow up with an artist. It feels like she raised me in a way, which is beautiful.
During “Fearless,” the whole theater threw their hands in a heart, just as she did on the screen. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
As she switched from era to era, the names of the albums she was going to perform appeared on the screen, which was probably helpful for those there who didn’t know much about the concert.
After Swift performed “Enchanted” from her “Speak Now” album, I expected her to go into “Long Live,” which she performed at the Los Angeles shows. Instead, the era ended. I was disappointed. I was looking forward to watching her performance of such an iconic song on the big screen; she didn’t sing it at the concert I went to.
But, the show went on and I quickly forgot about my disappointment.
The song “Tolerate It” proved its superiority on the big screen for sure. I thought it was beautiful in concert, but Taylor’s performance with one of her backup dancers was astonishing up close. Their portrayal of a distant love story that turns toxic was perfect. The emotion of the song’s lyrics was evident in their facial expressions and movements. It was probably my favorite part of the whole film.
The “Red” era was too long for me. I thought they should’ve cut some of those songs instead of cutting “Cardigan” from “Folklore” or “The Archer” from “Lover.”
The one song from “Red” that is irreplaceable is “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault).” Most people could probably say they have never heard a 10-minute-long song at a concert, let alone be in a movie theater where everyone knows every word.
Sitting in my chair belting out the lyrics, I stopped momentarily to hear those around me. To no surprise, the voices of those watching filled the theater. It was just us, Taylor and her guitar.
The singing continued throughout the rest of the film. I was surprised by the calmness of my theater compared to what I saw online at others. Everyone sat, sang and enjoyed their time. It was relaxing yet therapeutic.
When she finished her last era, “Midnights,” the theater erupted in applause. No one got out of their seats just yet as everyone sat and took in what they just watched.
The lights went on, the credits rolled and “Long Live” finally played. The film ended with the song Swift wrote about her fans, emphasizing her long-lasting legacy. Everyone got up from their seats and sang with each other as they trickled out of the theater.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is more than a film, it’s an experience. It embodies how it's beautiful to be obsessed with something and enjoy it with a community.
My stomach was in my throat, just as it was back in May when I attended The Eras Tour concert at Metlife Stadium. In true mastermind fashion, Taylor Swift managed to have an emotional impact even through the confines of a movie screen.
When she let out the first words of “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince,” I lost it. I immediately returned to my seat in section 205 as all the same feelings came back to me. It was like deja vu.
For people like me, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” film was a way to relive such an iconic performance. On the other hand, those who couldn’t claim tickets after the chaos of Ticketmaster could experience the concert from the comfort of a reclined movie theater seat.
For everyone, it was an emotional rollercoaster.
I have been an avid Swiftie since I saw the “You Belong with Me” music video in the first grade. The “Fearless” set always stands out to me as the nostalgic memories flood back. I performed “Love Story” in my school talent show. The entire era symbolizes for me what it’s like to truly grow up with an artist. It feels like she raised me in a way, which is beautiful.
During “Fearless,” the whole theater threw their hands in a heart, just as she did on the screen. It was a moment I’ll never forget.
As she switched from era to era, the names of the albums she was going to perform appeared on the screen, which was probably helpful for those there who didn’t know much about the concert.
After Swift performed “Enchanted” from her “Speak Now” album, I expected her to go into “Long Live,” which she performed at the Los Angeles shows. Instead, the era ended. I was disappointed. I was looking forward to watching her performance of such an iconic song on the big screen; she didn’t sing it at the concert I went to.
But, the show went on and I quickly forgot about my disappointment.
The song “Tolerate It” proved its superiority on the big screen for sure. I thought it was beautiful in concert, but Taylor’s performance with one of her backup dancers was astonishing up close. Their portrayal of a distant love story that turns toxic was perfect. The emotion of the song’s lyrics was evident in their facial expressions and movements. It was probably my favorite part of the whole film.
The “Red” era was too long for me. I thought they should’ve cut some of those songs instead of cutting “Cardigan” from “Folklore” or “The Archer” from “Lover.”
The one song from “Red” that is irreplaceable is “All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault).” Most people could probably say they have never heard a 10-minute-long song at a concert, let alone be in a movie theater where everyone knows every word.
Sitting in my chair belting out the lyrics, I stopped momentarily to hear those around me. To no surprise, the voices of those watching filled the theater. It was just us, Taylor and her guitar.
The singing continued throughout the rest of the film. I was surprised by the calmness of my theater compared to what I saw online at others. Everyone sat, sang and enjoyed their time. It was relaxing yet therapeutic.
When she finished her last era, “Midnights,” the theater erupted in applause. No one got out of their seats just yet as everyone sat and took in what they just watched.
The lights went on, the credits rolled and “Long Live” finally played. The film ended with the song Swift wrote about her fans, emphasizing her long-lasting legacy. Everyone got up from their seats and sang with each other as they trickled out of the theater.
“Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” is more than a film, it’s an experience. It embodies how it's beautiful to be obsessed with something and enjoy it with a community.